All over England, ever since he left Arsenal 18 months ago, they've been looking for a 'new Patrick Vieira'.

And the epicentre of the search now seems to be concentrated on the Midlands.

Over at Villa Park, young Isaiah Osbourne's first-team breakthrough has invited comparisons with the great Frenchman — not simply because he's tall and black but because he can also play a bit and has even admitted to having modelled himself on Vieira.

And, at St Andrew's, they've got a player who could be even closer to the real thing in Fabrice Muamba who, given that he is one of three Birmingham City youngsters on loan from Arsenal this season, has even more chance of one day genuinely filling Vieira's boots.

"I can see why people make comparisons," said Blues skipper Martin Taylor, following Saturday's 2-0 win over Barnsley. "You can see it. Obviously every player is different but you can see they are players who play in a similar role.

"I wouldn't be surprised some time down the road to see him in the Arsenal team. He is impressing here and I would imagine Arsenal are keeping an eye on him.

"And you can forget how young he is. Although he's only 18, he's got a good head on his shoulders, a level-headed lad who is very dedicated and likes to work hard in training.

"And, on the pitch, he's got a defensive side to his game which is one of the best I've seen. He wins the tackles and can stretch a leg round people and nick the ball off them.

"It is a great help when you're getting counter-attacked and someone in the midfield can do that. He passed it forward as well and looks to probe around and I'm sure he'll just get better."

Blues No 2 Eric Black was particularly impressed with Muamba's contribution in helping to clock up a fifth successive league win.

"He was outstanding again," said Black. "His enthusiasm for the game and his desire to cover the ground and win the ball back was fantastic. I thought he was outstanding.

"He had been playing for Arsenal reserves. And it was only when we were talking to Arsene Wenger about Nicklas Bendtner and Sebastian Larsson back in the summer that the whole thing came together. Now, having seen what he has given us, and that he is a top class individual as well, it is great to have him."

The only downside is that Muamba's form has caught the eye of the French coaches and he has been summoned for Under-21 duty this week — at a time when the Blues management team would have welcomed the chance to rest tired legs ahead of next Saturday lunchtime's derby date with Wolves.

"Muamba has been called up," said Black, "as have a few others, Cameron Jerome, Stephen Kelly and Bendtner. And we really don't need these international games at this time.

"After nine games in 28 days, it’s not ideal.

"It’s the last thing we need but we're not in a position to prevent it."